Johnnie Tuitel to Speak at the Howard

Known as "America's Pioneer Handicapitalist"

Thursday, May 12
10 a.m., Howard Performing Arts Center

Johnnie Tuitel, a motivational speaker who was born with cerebral palsy, will address 600 high school students this Thursday, May 12, at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Limited seating for the campus and community public is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students in attendance will be from Berrien Springs High School, Eau Claire High School and Andrews Academy.

Although bound to a wheelchair, Johnnie’s disability never kept him down. Today, he is a successful businessman and is the founder of Alternatives in Motion, a non-profit organization that purchases wheelchairs for people needing financial help with their mobility.  He has also written a number of books featuring a young boy who uses a wheelchair.

The event is being organized by Josh Krugh, an Eau Claire High School senior.  Last year, Josh was selected as the Berrien Springs/Eau Claire nominee to attend a special Rotary leadership event (Rotary Life Leadership Conference held in Tustin, Michigan).  At the conference, Josh first heard Johnnie Tuitel’s story.  Josh was so inspired by his words, that he took it upon himself to bring Johnnie’s message back to his community.  For the past several weeks, Josh has been coordinating the event with local school districts and has been raising funds to offset speaking costs. Cosponsors of the event include Berrien Springs/Eau Claire Rotary Club, Honor Credit Union, Randy’s Recycling and Andrews University.